New Zealand was represented by the “P&O NedLoyyd New Zealand Javelin Team”, and sent very strong crews including the current National Champion, Ex National and Sanders Cup Champion to attempt to retain the South Pacific Title. The team had 2 brand new boats, and two boats less than 2 seasons old.

Final Race Report

A warm and weak westerly sea breeze of around 6 – 10 knots greeted the fleet on Melville Water for the final heat of the South Pacific series. Racing yesterday had been extremely tight over 3 races on a shorter course close to the club, with Australia’s National Champions Fat Boys holding a 4 point lead over New Zealands Bungholio going into the final race. The Kiwi crew needed to win the final race, with Fat Boys placing 5th or worse to win the title.

After a number of delays while the breeze sorted itself out, the race got underway with the 4 top Kiwi boats all leading out strongly on the left side of the course. The Fat Boys went right into the early pressure but failed to reap much reward , turning 6th at the top mark behind Bungholio, Phlipnhel, www.javelins.org and Flying Circus. The downwind saw the Kiwis extend their lead but good work by Victoria’s Unzipped saw them up to 3rd.

The second lap saw more of the same with frequent tacks and crossings as crews sought to maximise their gains in the flukey conditions. Phlipnhel had worked into the lead while Just Do It had also climbed onto the rear of the leading group. Fat Boys was struggling to make inroads and would eventually settle for 7th, their worst performance of the Series. The outcome overall came down to the battle at the front; if Phlipnhel held out Bungholio then Fat Boys would win on countback. With a 40m lead at the final turn it was looking as if this would be the case. However some terrific work by Rob Fordyce and Craig Gilberd saw Bungholio win the gybing duel down the run to cross a few seconds in front of fellow countrymen McNeill and Smith on Phlipnhel and secure the South Pacific Championship.

In the final race the P&O NedLoyyd New Zealand Javelin Team secured 1st, 2nd 4th and 5th places over the line, and ended the series with 4 boats in the top 7.

Random Comments

Excellent results by Manawatu/Horowhenua sailing club member David Brown to win the 1st heat of the championship, and finish 7th in a highly competitive fleet.